Friday 7 March 2003

Inspectors shut down Hollywood night spot

The Belmont night club was shut down early today during an event attended by Mariah Carey and Leonardo DiCaprio because the bar was packed beyond capacity and one of its emergency exits had an illegal locking mechanism, authorities said. During a routine check of the Belmont, 747 N. La Cienega Blvd., officials found it dangerously overcrowded, said Inspector Kendall McCarthy of the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

"I was driving by the club and saw about 50 people outside and I couldn't find parking. That's usually a sign of a problem," McCarthy said. "As soon as I walked in it was shoulder-to-shoulder. It was really packed." McCarthy found 211 people inside the club, which has a posted limit of 149, he said. Additionally, one emergency exit had a key lock, which is illegal, and a doorway to a patio was fitted with a sliding glass door, McCarthy said. "Sliders are not allowed," McCarthy said. "Any access door must swing outward."

The restaurant was holding a special event that had celebrities in attendance, including Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner. The club will be permitted to re-open at 6 tonight after the owners make repairs, McCarthy said. The complaint will be forwarded to the City Attorney's Office. The owners could face probation and up to $1,000 in fines.

The Belmont is the second club to be closed by fire inspectors this week. Club Soho was shut down Sunday for overcrowding and a chained exit. Angry bar patrons pelted police with rocks and bottles after being forced to leave.

(Press-Telegram)



COMMENTS
There are not yet comments to this article.

Only registrated members can post a comment.
© MCArchives 1998-2024 (26 years!)
NEWS
MESSAGEBOARD